3 years ago Rowan Stewart was gifted to the alpha of red moon as one of his pleasure servants. This is a common practice and the alpha of red moon is not adverse to this even though he has two wives. Life is decent for Rowan, although deeply unsatisfied with her life she is grateful for being alive and that the alpha spared her family. Her world changes when she find out she is carrying the alphas child, his first child. The pack is sent into a frenzy especially because a witch cursed the alpha years ago with infertility. Many don't believe the alpha is the father, the alphas wives are angry and seek revenge. Shirley's once peaceful life has taken a turn.
Chapter 1 Aine and Adelina
Adelina's POV
"Do you need more scents, Adelina?" My mother's voice is smooth as she lifts a delicate pink bottle to her nose. The subtle arch of her brow suggests she's already enchanted by the fragrance within.
"No, I already have thirty," I reply, stretching my arms lazily, as if to physically dismiss the notion.
She tuts softly, unimpressed. The bottle disappears into the already overstuffed bag on my vanity. "You can never have too many scents, dear," she says breezily, her tone firm-like a rule I should have learned long ago.
I roll my eyes in quiet defiance and turn away, only for her voice to cut through the air like a blade.
"I saw that, Adelina." She doesn't even glance at me, yet the warning in her tone is unmistakable. "I do hope you'll remember your manners in the palace."
Her words linger like a challenge. I bite my tongue, knowing better than to argue.
She nods in quiet approval, then shifts her gaze to my attire. "Is that the dress you plan to wear to the palace?"
I glance down at my comfortable, well-worn clothes and scoff. "Of course not. I wouldn't be caught dead leaving the house in this."
Mother exhales, her shoulders relaxing. "Good. I'd hate to think all my efforts in raising you were wasted. Your father would be positively mortified if you arrived at the palace looking like... that."
Her tone drips with mock horror, and I resist the urge to roll my eyes again. As always, appearances are everything in her world.
Not that I blame her. After all, I am to be the future Queen Fae of Alièsa.
Still, I had my heart set on my baby pink gown-the one with flowing organza sleeves and delicate embroidery. Just picturing it makes me sigh wistfully.
Mother's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "Your uncle Marcus sent word. Your cousin Aine is already on her way. She should be here within the hour."
The mention of Aine instantly lifts my mood. "I can't wait to see her! It feels like it's been forever."
Mother's expression sharpens. "Don't forget, Adelina. Aine may be your cousin, but she is also your competition. Only one of you can win the crown, and it must be you."
Her words barely register. My mind is too full of Aine,her snowy hair, her bright smile. I can't wait to see her, to throw my arms around her, to laugh the way we used to.
We haven't seen each other in years but we often speak on our ringers when the signal is good on her end, unlike me who lives in the heart of our land in what Aine calls a "tree house mansion"
Aine lives close to one of the largest water bodies in our kingdom, which suits her just fine because she's a water fae, water faes usually have white hair so it's not unnatural for Aine.
For now, I'll let Mother have her moment. Let her believe that I'm listening.
But my thoughts?
My thoughts belongs to the girl who is about to arrive.
---
Aine's POV
"And remember, Aine," Mummy says, taking my hands in hers. "Be nice to your cousin."
Her eyes soften with concern, as if she doubts my ability to behave.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes. "Yes, Mummy. You've told me at least a hundred times. I'll be an absolute angel to Adelina."
The carriage driver huffs in frustration, clearly impatient.
Mummy squeezes my hands. "I mean it. No pranks this time. Please."
For a fleeting moment, guilt pricks at me.
But only for a moment.
I offer her a sweet, placating smile, then slip into the carriage.
No promises.
---
The underground station is crowded, but I move through it swiftly, purchasing my ticket and securing a seat for the short journey.
Barely an hour passes before a soft voice beside me interrupts my peace.
"Excuse me."
I glance to my left. A girl with pinkish skin and warm brown eyes is staring at me.
"Is that your natural hair color?" she asks, her voice hushed, as if she's just discovered something sacred.
I suppress a sigh. I am not the only person in the world with white hair. Though, admittedly, I am the only one I've seen with white hair and deep brown skin.
"Yes," I answer briskly. "It's my natural hair."
Her eyes light up, her ears twitching in delight. "You're so beautiful!" she exclaims suddenly.
A wry smile tugs at my lips. "Thank you."
"I can't believe-"
I cut her off before she can gush any further. "Excuse me, but could you give me some space? I have explosive diarrhea, and I need a clear path to the bathroom at all times."
The pink drains from her face faster than the tide retreats. She stammers out an apology before stumbling away, leaving me to bask in my well-earned silence.
I hide my smile behind my palm.
---
Adelina's home looms before me, exactly as I remember it-grand and slightly eerie in the fading daylight.
As the carriage stops, I barely have time to step down before a familiar shriek fills the air.
"AINE!"
Only Adelina can manage to shout with such grace.
The gates swing open, and there she is, running down the short flight of stairs, her gown billowing behind her like a soft pink cloud.
I drop my bag just in time to catch her as she flings herself into my arms.
Her scent-vanilla and something sweetly floral-fills my senses as I hold her tightly.
Laughter bubbles between us, blending together like a melody only we understand.
When we finally pull back, we're eye to eye, exactly the same height. Her hazel eyes shine with joy, and I know mine reflect the same.
"I've missed you so much, Aine! You have no idea!" she gushes, taking my hands in hers.
I smirk. "That's quite a bit of exclaiming for someone who's supposed to be the future queen. What would your mother say?"
She giggles. "She can kiss my behind."
I gasp theatrically. "Adelina Jasmine Jeurous!"
Her laughter deepens, and warmth floods my chest.
I missed her as much as she missed me. Back home, I have no sisters-only brothers who want nothing to do with their "baby sister."
Being here, with Adelina, feels like breathing again.
As we step inside, she sighs dreamily. "Oh, Aine, have you heard the news?"
I glance around, noting that the chandelier has changed. I quite preferred the old one. "What news?"
"We don't have to go to the palace today after all. Something came up, so we'll be leaving early tomorrow morning instead-which is wonderful because I love waking up at dawn."
Her words fade as I process the reality of what she just said.
I have to stay the night.
Here.
With her mother.
Oh, no.
Adelina, I adore.
But her mother?
Someone fetch me a fainting potion immediately.
Chapter 1 Aine and Adelina
16/02/2025
Other books by Mesan wrote it
More